A Historic Step for the Clerics Regular Minor in France
The Clerics Regular Minor (CRM) has taken a significant step toward establishing its first permanent community in France. On February 14, 2025, Fr. Teodoro O. Kalaw, CRM, Superior General of the Order, met with Archbishop Pascal Delannoy of Strasbourg to discuss the future of the CRM in the Archdiocese. This meeting represents a hopeful milestone for the Order, more than four centuries after its founding.
Fr. Kalaw expressed the CRM’s desire to serve the pastoral needs of the Archdiocese, emphasizing their commitment to their charism of humility, eucharistic devotion, and fraternal religious life. The Archbishop responded positively, showing genuine interest in the mission of the CRM and offering his support for the Order’s future presence in Strasbourg.
A key moment in the meeting was the presentation of an icon of St. Francis Caracciolo, the Order’s founder, to Archbishop Delannoy as a gesture of gratitude and a symbol of the CRM’s commitment to service and fraternity.
The Archbishop assured the CRM delegation that a definitive place for their community would be established by April 2025, with an official appointment anticipated in September. This marks an exciting step toward the CRM’s official establishment in Strasbourg, the “gateway” to France.
Fr. Kalaw reiterated the importance of community life, stating, “Our brothers need to live together in their community, not be scattered. Our strength as religious lies in our common life—praying, working, and serving together in fraternity.”
The CRM community is deeply grateful to Fr. Frank, their local coordinator, whose support has been instrumental in facilitating this meeting. With hope and trust in God’s providence, the CRM looks forward to continuing their mission and establishing roots in Strasbourg.
Fr. Ted Kalaw